Opera Singer

Performing professionally as an opera singer is a highly-specialized field within the vocal entertainment industry. In fact, it may be considered by some to be its own industry, due to its uniqueness and exclusivity. Opera singers are classically trained, many from the time they were young. Successful operatic singers have developed exceptional acting skills, stage presence, timing; as well as become fluent in multiple languages

01

What Is Opera?

An opera is a type of dramatic work or theatrical presentation which is set to music. Most operas attempt to tell a moving and dramatic story through instrumental music and vocalizations. Unlike musicals, however, operas typically contain no spoken dialogue, but rely solely on music to tell a story. Operas are also more dramatic, or serious, than musicals, and they are also usually more poetic.

The beginning of modern opera dates back to the Renaissance, when a group of aristocrats and artists in Florence – known as the Florentine Camerata – made an attempt to revive ancient Greek theater. In 1597, what is believed to be the first modern opera was written by Italian composer, Jacopo Peri. Unfortunately, this opera – entitled Dafne – has since been lost. However, Peri's second opera, Euridice, was written a mere three years later, and it still survives to this day.

These original operas were typically only meant for audiences of aristocrats and wealthy families. So-called commoners weren't to get a taste of operatic performances until 1637, when the first public opera house – Teatro San Cassiano – was erected in Venice.

Today, opera houses and theaters grace nearly every major city on earth. Although operas are commonly thought of as entertainment for the wealthy and well-to-do, the stunning vocals and moving story lines of these types of performances are enough to move and delight any theatergoer.

02

Work Environment

One could say simply that an opera singer, well, sings. However, there is much more involved in an opera singing career than merely vocalizing.

An opera singer will typically need to memorize a variety of different musical numbers. Because many of the classical operas were written in foreign languages, particularly Italian, an opera singer should also be fluent in a number of different languages. As for singing, an opera singer is typically required to practice for several hours each day. In some instances, these singers will practice nearly every day of the week, for weeks or months at a time.

Because an opera singer's voice is often her best asset, she must also take measures to protect it. Any illness or injury to the throat or vocal chords could completely ruin the sound of an opera singer’s voice. To help protect their voices, opera singers will often avoid anything that puts a strain on their vocal chords, such as smoking or shouting. They also take special care of their bodies in order to prevent illness and stay hydrated.

Performances often involve standing under hot theater lights and singing. Dancing is also involved in some operas as well. Depending on the show, an opera singer might also be required to travel as well.

A good singing voice is obviously one of the most important skills needed for an opera singing career. Aspiring opera singers should not only have an excellent singing voice, but they should also be able to sing for long periods of time. Those pursuing an opera singing career should also be dedicated to their craft and hard working.

03

Education Requirements

Having a good singing voice is not the only necessity for an opera singing career, however. Aspiring singers should be able to hit several different pitches and notes. This is where a formal education comes in handy. Voice lessons and singing lessons are almost always necessary for a career as an opera singer. A degree in music or singing is also usually a very good idea. Some courses at a music school a future opera singer should take include music theory, music history, and acting.

Since many of the most popular operas are in foreign languages, opera students should also become fluent in these languages. Italian, for instance, is one of the most common languages for operas, as is German and French. Although fluency in these languages is not required, it will help an opera singer qualify for many more roles.

04

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary

An opera singer's salary can be somewhat difficult to determine at times. More talented opera singers performing in large opera houses or opera companies, for instance, will typically make higher salaries. Many opera singers who are employed by established opera houses or companies also typically have set salaries, which are bound by contracts. Depending on the details of the contracts, these professionals may be paid a certain amount of money per show, per week, or per hour.

Job Outlook

Opera houses are the most common venues for opera singers to perform in. Some operas, however, are also performed in traditional theaters or auditoriums.

In general, an opera singing career is very competitive. Very rarely will singers with no formal training be hired to sing in large productions. Even those with formal training typically start their careers by snagging small roles. Once they have more experienced and become recognized, they might then be able to audition for and get leading roles.

An opera singer is also an excellent candidate for becoming a singing teacher or voice coach. Some may choose to teach other aspiring singers in universities, high schools, or music studios.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, however, does offer some insight into the average salary of an opera singer. According to the BLS, musicians and singers in general made an average hourly wage of $31.74 in 2010. Those who were employed in performing arts companies made an hourly wage of $34.85 in that same year.

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